| 2009 National Leadership Index |
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Americans’ Confidence in Leaders Improves, Remains Low
Latest National Leadership Index reveals leadership traits that instill confidence Cambridge, MA—Americans’ overall confidence in their leaders increased from 2008 levels but remains below average, according to National Leadership Index poll results released by the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School and the Merriman River Group. Belief that America has a leadership crisis remains strong, but has declined after peaking in 2007 and 2008. Sixty-nine percent of Americans agree or strongly agree that “we have a leadership crisis in America today”— the lowest percentage since 2006. At the same time, however, the number of Americans who believe that their leaders “are effective and do a good job” has increased, from 25 percent last year to 41 percent this year. “For American leaders, the message is clear: the public remains wary about its leaders’ ability to move the country forward,” said Rod Kramer, visiting professor at Harvard Kennedy School and center advisor at the Center for Public Leadership. “This year’s modest gains could easily be lost again if leaders fail to meet Americans’ expectations soon.” The survey also asked Americans about qualities that inspire confidence in leaders:
The poll surveyed a demographically representative sample of 1,040 U.S. citizens (margin of error ± 3.0 percent). |
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